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ADHD in Adults – Treatment Options ADHD is a common neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression anxiety, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant social, emotional, and occupational impairments. Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. Medicines Many people with ADHD have significant improvements in their symptoms and functioning due to medication. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD find the combination of medications that works for them. Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. Some adults may supplement an immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medicine used once per day to reduce the requirement for frequent doses throughout the day. Antidepressants like desipramine have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of drugs can be employed in conjunction with stimulants, or in isolation to boost their effects. However, they could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like alprazolam and clonidine are also utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These medications were initially created to treat hypertension. They are calming and can improve focus, and reduce hyperactivity and impulse control in some adults. However, these medications could cause a very low blood pressure if they are suddenly stopped or reduced in dosage. Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy helps them deal with feelings of embarrassment, shame, and resentment against coworkers, teachers, supervisors and family members who may criticize or nag them. Additionally counseling for families and marriages can help couples suffering from ADHD understand each other's problems and improve communication. Behavioral Therapy The primary goal of psychosocial therapy for adult ADHD is to help people learn skills and strategies that improve function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can also aid those who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and sense of inadequacy that can be a result of this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people change the negative thoughts that create problems in their lives and to discover new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy has been proven to be effective for many conditions including anxiety and depression. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or by itself. CBT may include group therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for people with ADHD, as it provides the opportunity to meet others with similar challenges and to discover how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be offered in person or via phone. In one study, CBT was compared to standard therapy for adults who have ADHD. Both treatments helped improve self-reporting indicators like symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. CBT has been studied in comparison to other psychosocial treatments in adults suffering from ADHD. All of these studies demonstrate significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes between medium and large. These improvements were associated with a variety of modalities such as cognitive and interpersonal behavioral therapy, social skills training, problem-solving exercises and mindfulness meditation. It is essential to assess the efficacy between different treatments for adult ADHD with caution. It is likely that the variations in the outcomes are due to a variety of variables such as treatment characteristics, measures used as well as the backgrounds of the patients. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an approach that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity, and instructing the individual to control these patterns. Counseling Many people who suffer from ADHD also have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that require treatment. Counseling can help with these issues, which could contribute to ADHD symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can help improve the ability of a person to manage conflicts and create lasting relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to alter negative behaviors and assist in managing self-destructive and impulsive behaviors that can cause problems at work or school. In some cases psychotherapy can be used as an adjunct to the medication used for adhd in adults treatment. People who have comorbid conditions like bipolar disorder and substance abuse should be evaluated with care to ensure that they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't ameliorated by the medications used to treat ADHD. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and a history or seizures, should be treated more aggressively. Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended if the person's ADHD is such that it interferes with their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs offer an organized treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists adults suffering from ADHD enhance their ability to manage their time and impulse control, executive function, and planning. It helps them understand and express feelings, and it uses activities and worksheets to make the lessons interesting. The practice of mindfulness meditation improves CBT and improves the ability of a person to focus and regulate emotions. It enhances the capacity of a person to manage stress and arousal. It can help them deal with sadness, anger and other difficult emotions that could be causing their ADHD. Occupational Therapy Adults suffering from ADHD often report difficulty functioning at home and at work. These issues can also impact relationships and can lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help increase self-esteem, address the root causes of your issues and establish healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you modify your negative beliefs and behaviors. It is focused on teaching time management techniques and overcoming the distortions in your thinking that can lead to negative moods and the perception that there are only a few possibilities. what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults with ADHD have depression or anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions. These psychiatric disorders can reduce or exacerbate the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat ADHD. It is therefore recommended to first treat the most severe comorbid condition and then monitor its response to the medication before treating the other disorder. Occupational therapy can teach you how to manage your life and your work, set up routines that are predictable, manage time and money, and create a positive self-image. It can also help you master relaxation techniques that can decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your concentration by stabilizing your body in different poses. Family and marriage counseling can address the problems that adults suffering from ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and their families. They often complain about being undependable and unorganized. They often forget things or make decisions impulsively. Therapy and classes in which spouses and other family members are educated about ADHD can help you establish healthier relationships. Furthermore, it can help you and your loved ones understand that these issues are linked to the patient's ADHD rather than a lack of caring or a willful refusal to cooperate. Clinical Trials Adult ADHD is a highly common neurobiological disorder. It is accompanied by high levels of comorbidity, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Psychosocial and medication interventions are available as treatments. A wide range of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and a few of these have been evaluated in clinical trials. These studies have revealed the strengths and the limitations of the drugs. Adults with ADHD may have the same symptoms as children do, but it can be difficult to identify because childhood symptoms might not last into adulthood. In addition, adults with ADHD may not have a family history of the disorder in their families or may not be aware of having symptoms. A thorough medical history is essential to determine if the symptoms are due to medical conditions such as a thyroid problem or sleep apnea. It could also be due to issues with vision and hearing or lead poisoning. Adults with ADHD are treated with stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective drugs for treating adults with ADHD and their responsiveness rates are within the 70-80% range. Amphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed stimulants. adhd symptoms in adults treatment can also be administered via a transdermal system. This permits continuous medication delivery during the day. Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are primarily tricyclic antidepressants which work on dopamine and norepinephrine. Desipramine, which is the most researched tricyclic, has been proven to be effective in adult ADHD patients. It is a medication with a low dose that is recommended to be increased every seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is noticed. Bupropion XL, another antidepressant, was shown to work in adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine agonist that is effective in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine at the presynaptic transportationer which increases its accessibility to the brain. what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults is known to improve mood in adults and decrease hyperactivity, however it's not as effective in improving concentration or cognitive functions as stimulants.